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Do Your Research

Buying a property abroad can be hugely rewarding but a daunting experience if you don't know what you are
doing. Luckily there is a raft of knowledge out there and you can draw on other people's experiences to help
you on your way. Getting information from multiple sources will help you to build a picture of what needs to
be done. Doing you own research is important at it means you can be confident you are doing the right things
and asking the right questions along the way.

Did you know?

47% of people who bought abroad now rate their quality of life as excellent!

Think about...

Why you are buying a property abroad?

How will you finance your purchase?

What due diligence you need a lawyer to carry out?

The costs of sending money in & out of a foreign country?

How you can make your move a permanent one?

How you can generate a rental income?

Understand the buying process

You should make sure you understand how the buying process works in the country you are going to buy in. Having
a basic understanding of the legalities and tax implications country will save you getting in to trouble later.
Lots of companies offer free buying guides
which offer country specific information. As well looking online you should go to exhibitions which have up to
date information you can get face to face from the experts.

Did you know?

7% of people buy without ever visiting the area

Seek independent advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has extensive information on their
website
with the specific intention of helping anyone who is thinking of living abroad. They support
British nationals around the world through modern and efficient consular services. Information
ranges from travel advice to claiming your pension whilst overseas, to taking your pet abroad.

Did you know?

You can still vote if you move or retire abroad

Don't get carried away

It is very easy to get carried away with the excitement of buying overseas property however the same basic rules
apply to buying property wherever you are. Use independent legal professionals who can carry out these checks
for you which will include verifying who's selling it, where the property is and if it even exists. Luckily the
Association of Property Professionals (AIPP) have produced a 'How to Buy Overseas Property Safely' guide which is
free to download and gives invaluable
information on the role of an agent and developer and offers tips on how to find a good one. For
more information on the role of the AIPP you can find it on their website. You can also find some
useful tips on staying safe online in our own Safety and Security area.

Protection laws

You should be aware that if you are buying a property abroad you are covered by the Consumer Protection Regulation
(CPR) which sets out the guidance for how agents who market property to UK buyers should behave. More details can be
found on the website of the Office of Fair Trading.

Advice from FCO

Country Guides

The Overseas Guides Company provide detailed and helpful advice from people who have been through the property buying
process and know exactly what it takes to move overseas. The guides are written in plain english without jargon and clearly explains everything you need to know.